Chess Is Changing: From Ancient Battles to Esports Glory
A Game with Deep Roots
Chess is one of the oldest games in the world. It has been played for hundreds of years and is known for its quiet, serious battles between two minds. In the past, games could last for days, with players thinking for hours before making a single move. It was all about patience, focus, and long-term strategy.
Even today, classical chess is still respected and played in major tournaments. But now, there’s something new shaking up the chessboard…
Esports Fast-Paced Chess Is Taking Over
In recent years, shorter versions of chess have become super popular. These games only last a few minutes and are much faster and more exciting to watch. Thanks to websites like Chess.com and streaming platforms like Twitch, millions of people are now watching and playing chess online every day.
And now, for the first time ever, chess is entering the world of esports fast, competitive video games that are played in front of huge audiences.
Chess at the Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup (EWC) started in 2024 and brings together the best gamers from around the world. It lasts for eight weeks and is partly funded by Saudi Arabia. In 2025, something big is happening: chess will be part of the tournament for the first time ever!
There’s a $1.5 million prize pool, and the best chess players on Earth will be competing in a special format made for esports fans.
Top Esports Teams Sign Chess Stars
To prepare for this new event, famous esports teams are now signing top chess players — just like they do for other big games.
One of the biggest teams, Team Liquid, has signed two huge names:
- Magnus Carlsen, the world number one from Norway
- Fabiano Caruana, the top American player
Team Liquid’s CEO, Steve Arhancet, says many gamers also love chess. Shows like The Queen’s Gambit and lockdown streaming made chess even more popular, especially online. Now, people jump between watching chess and video games on Twitch every day.
Chess + Esports = A New Era
Adding chess to the Esports World Cup gives esports teams a great reason to invest in chess. It’s also a chance for chess to grow even more.
Ralf Reichert, head of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said working with Chess.com and top players helped make this dream a reality. There’s now a three-year partnership that will help chess teams and players grow in the esports world.
Even Magnus Carlsen is excited about this new crossover — he’s acting as an ambassador to help promote the event.
The New Format: 10 Minutes, No Time Added
To keep the game exciting for esports fans, a new chess format was created:
10+0 — each player has 10 minutes total, and no extra time is added after each move.
This makes the games fast, thrilling, and full of tension. It also means more mistakes can happen under pressure — which makes matches even more fun to watch!
Only 16 players will qualify, and they’ll have to earn their spots through the Champions Chess Tour.
A Mixed Reaction from Players
Not everyone is fully on board with the new format.
Fabiano Caruana says some players may not like the change because it moves away from traditional chess. But he’s excited to try it and sees it as a fun challenge.
What’s Next for Chess?
While fast formats are rising, players like Caruana still believe in classical chess — the slow, deep-thinking version. He hopes it doesn’t disappear, because it holds the history and spirit of the game.
Chess is now walking two paths: one rooted in tradition, the other racing toward the future. And with the power of esports behind it, the game might just become bigger than ever before.